Mark Anthony de la Garza

Mark was born January 24, 1970, to Raquel G De La Garza and Edward P De La Garza in San Antonio, TX. The eldest of 3 children, Mark spent many years playing the baritone, trumpet and trombone in the Edison High School marching band, his church youth instrumental ensemble (Baptist Temple) and the Sea World Marching band (in San Antonio & Chicago). He competed, and won, at several state UIL band competitions. At the same time, he also taught himself how to play the guitar and read guitar sheet music.

After graduating high school, he earned a major scholarship to Texas A&M University in College Station, studying mechanical engineering. While there, he started up several heavy metal groups.

After college, Mark lived for several years in College Station and Bryan, before moving to Austin, TX. He continued on with his heavy metal bands, until he decided it was time to move back to San Antonio in 2023 to be closer to his family.

Mark was known as Mokey and Mark D to family and friends. He enjoyed watching movies, listening to music and discussing both to no end. If he wasn't doing that, he was watching The Spurs or Steelers games. He was a perfectionist when it came to performing live. His brother noted that several audience members at Mark's shows mentioned that Mark was an amazing guitarist, or that he was on "another level." Only to have Mark retort, "We were off. The drummer lost count which threw the rest of us off!", or "Nah! We sounded horrible! I need to make that solo better!"

He is survived by his mother, Raquel G De La Garza, sister Devra Thomas (spouse Kelso) and brother Andrew R De La Garza. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, which he considered to be close family.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

FUNERAL SERVICEFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 202412:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVENUE

Brother Robert Newman will officiate. Interment will follow in San Jose Burial Park.